Automatic chemistry analyzer

US5130095A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Beckman Instruments, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Samuel G. Ricchio · Fullerton, US
• Delbert D. Jackson · Placentia, US
• Stephen F. Barker · Concord, US
• Edmund E. Buzza · Fullerton, US
• Frank R. Shu · La Habra, US
• John E. Stone · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 1989
• Grant date: Jul 14, 1992
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N1/14
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automatic chemistry analyzer includes a flow cell mounted so that flow through the cell and tubing connected to the cell is visible from the front of the housing. The electrolytes to the cell are removably plugged into the cell from their rear. The probe aspirating sample flud into an injection cell is simultaneously washed by diluent and the diluent mixes with the fluid sample. Waste fluid from the flow cell is fed to a basin which then feeds under gravity to a waste drain. A ratio pump is formed by selected syringes which are band driven to deliver accurately prerequisite volumes of reagents to the flow cell. The solution ground to the system is on the inlet line for sample adjacent the entrance to the flow cell of fluid thereby minimizing electronic noise. Only two motive means are necessary, one to effect horizontal and rotational movement of the sample tray, and a second to effect vertical motion of a crane mounted probe operative between sample cups and an injection cell.